Year in Review: It's hard to say if they're contractually obligated to do so, but it sure seems like it: whenever a young speed merchant comes to the plate, the color commentator in charge will inevitably say something to the effect of, "If only this guy could learn to hit the ball on the ground, he'd be unstoppable." Of course, there aren't too many guys who make a living off the infield hit: Ichiro, with his total of 50 in 2009, had a full 21 more than the next guy, Michael Bourn. That said, Borbon fits the profile of a player who could be a non-Ichiro leader in the category, which is still helpful. In limited playing time, his infield hit percentage (IFH/GB) of 10.9% would have placed him among the top 10 in that category among qualified hitters. His ground-ball percentage of 54.2% would have had him in the top 15.

The Year Ahead: There are certain factors that can make a player more attractive as a fantasy commodity than as an actual player. Chief among them are his spot in the batting order and stolen base totals. It's likely that Borbon will be at the high end of both in 2010. Beginning Aug. 9, Borbon found himself in the leadoff spot in 36 of the Rangers' last 53 games. According to Baseball Monster, Borbon was the 46th best fantasy player over the last month of the season (given a typical 12-team, 5x5 format) – this thanks in large part both to his seven stolen bases and elevated plate appearances. Indications are that Borbon could be the Ranger leadoff hitter in 2010. If that's the case, he's fourth- or fifth-round pick. (Carson Cistulli)

Profile: Were you to, first, build a time machine out of a DeLorean DMC-12 and then, second, travel back and visit the version of yourself from May 8, 2010, and then, third, tell that earlier version of yourself that Julio Borbon would finish the season batting .276, there's a chance that the aforementioned Earlier You would slap you right in the face part of your body. Why? Well, for one, because you'd be altering the space-time continuum, but also, for two, because Julio Borbon was batting only .194 (through 97 plate appearances) on that day. The primary culprit for his deflated average -- as one might expect -- was a disastrously low .231 BABIP, although the 1:15 BB:K certainly didn't help. The 371 PAs after that date produced this line: .299/.334/.365. His .334 BABIP and overall line over that time are likely more representative of his true talent. Despite seeing a lot of the bench during the Rangers' playoff run, Borbon is slated to start in center in 2011. He'll likely bat towards the end of the order, though, which will depress his plate appearances (and stolen bases). (Carson Cistulli)

The Quick Opinion: Was actually pretty decent after horrific start to 2010. Enters 2011 as Rangers' starting center fielder, although will likely bat at bottom of order.

Profile: After struggling as the Rangers’ de facto starting center fielder in 2010 (.276/.309/.340, 15 SB in 22 attempts), Borbon tanked to begin 2011, pulled his hamstring, was kept at Triple-A after rehabbing and then tore ligaments in his ankle in the minors, necessitating season-ending surgery in July. Borbon could get another shot at the job in 2012, but that’s far from certain with Craig Gentry (.271/.347/.346, 18-for-18 in steals) profiling similarly and $15 million Cuban signee Leonys Martin (.295/.362/.421 between AA and AAA) getting a big league quickie in September. Texas could also go with Josh Hamilton in center more often, if they think his body can take it. (David Golebiewski)

The Quick Opinion: The 26-year-old has next to no pop and works the count like a Corey Patterson clone. His game is all about speed, and that makes his leg ailments all the more troubling. Borbon’s wheels make him worth watching, but Gentry is basically a healthy Borbon and Martin has higher upside. He could be headed for fourth outfielderdom.

Profile: Former Texas farmhand Julio Borbon makes his way to Baltimore for the 2014, after he was selected during the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft from Chicago, where he posted a remarkably terrible .202/.284/.279 triple slash. With Adam Jones and Nick Markakis firmly entrenched in center and right, Borbon will likely be nothing more than a fourth outfielder for the O’s. Even if he somehow lands a larger role, he hits for a low average and very little power. He has speed, but doesn’t steal enough bags to make up for his other shortcomings. (Jack Weiland)

The Quick Opinion: Borbon will likely be nothing more than a fourth outfielder for the O’s. Even if he somehow lands a larger role, he hits for a low average and very little power, and doesn't steal enough to split the difference.